www.urtekrambeauty.com
colour and character - joyful, personal and full of warmth. “It’s a fun, happy house,” they say “At Christmas, we go all out with garlands and lights, and debate whether to put the 12ft tree in the extension or the 9ft one in the living room ”
Comfort hasn’t been forgotten either. Extensive insulation, smart heating and a wood-burning stove make this grand home wonderfully cosy through the winter months Upstairs, a generous loft conversion - added after lockdown - provides serene home offices with leafy, panoramic views
Location is everything, and here the best of Ealing life is within a short stroll “We’re lucky to be so close to Northfields, Old Ealing and the Broadway Whether it’s coffee, dinner or the cinema, everything’s 10–15 minutes away And walking through Lammas or Walpole Park to the station makes every commute feel grounding ”
For the owners, it’s simple: “This is Our Happy Place ”
This beautiful home will soon be on the market as the owners prepare to relocate. To register your interest, contact Leslie & Co for details
Depth Through Balance
One of the biggest misconceptions, says Gilsenan, is that dark colours make a room feel small “They just make it feel more intimate,” she explains The secret is in balance - layering light, contrast, and texture to create drama rather than gloom.
Design duo Amy and Manisha of Studio AM recommend pairing dark walls with lighter flooring or furnishings to maintain a sense of spaciousness Mirrors, metallic accents, and reflective surfaces help “bounce light around” while keeping the space from feeling heavy Diesel agrees: “Confidence is essential When dark tones are used deliberately and consistently, they make a space feel cohesive rather than closed in.”
Texture: The Soul of a Moody Interior
In a dark scheme, texture brings life and warmth Gilsenan suggests offsetting deep paint colours with tactile materials linen or velvet curtains, boucle cushions, woven rugs, and antique brass or bronze finishes These elements “catch light differently, create movement and prevent the room from feeling flat ”
Studio AM layer rich fabrics like wool, boucle, and velvet with natural materials such as rattan, wood, or stone “Add soft layering through rugs, throws, and curtains,” they advise Diesel echoes this sentiment: “Texture is everything in a moody interior ” He often combines velvet, wool, and brushed linen with walnut or aged brass for a look that feels both luxurious and comforting
Lighting the Darkness
Lighting is where moody interiors truly come alive “Dark colours absorb light, so variety and layering matter,” says Gilsenan
Combine ambient ceiling lights with task lighting, accent lamps, and candlelight to create depth Studio AM suggest oversized or statement fixtures to add personality, while Diesel favours
